Blog Tour: Intercepted by Alexa Martin

INTERCEPTED by Alexa Martin

Publisher: Berkley Jove Trade Paperback Original

Expected Publication: September 11, 2018

Welcome to the WAG Life.

Hate the player, not the game.

Marlee Harper is the perfect girlfriend—she has ten years’ worth of dating her NFL-star boyfriend to prove it. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the perfect boyfriend memo. When his affairs go public, she officially swears off athletes for good.

Enter Gavin Pope: the team’s new quarterback and fling from her past who has definitely not forgotten Marlee. He’s ready to prove that he’s nothing like her ex, but not everyone is ready to let her put history behind her, especially the team’s wives who never liked Marlee and her “perma-girlfriend” status to begin with. Determined to take her down, they make Marlee public enemy number one, one reputation-ruining tweet at a time.

In an attempt to drown out the drama and push football politics to the wayside, Marlee chooses to ignore the fray and focus on her relationship with Gavin. But when he makes a life-changing decision without her and she’s on the sidelines of her own life again, it’s going take more than a Hail Mary to save this relationship.

Inspired by her own experiences as wife to two-time Super Bowl Championship winner Derrick Martin, the author expertly—and hilariously—draws you into the cutthroat, glamorous world of NFL wives. #WAGLife

Martin’s take on modern relationships, from the pressures of social media to reclaiming your independence within monogamy, feels both raw and real. She tackles these issues in the same way you would a girlfriend’s dating woes—with plenty of wine and hilarious advice.

At its heart, INTERCEPTED is about independence, female friendships, and a second chance at love. Martin delivers a funny, original, and fast-paced novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers. This book will put a smile on your face and a new favorite on your shelf.

Praise for Intercepted

                        

“I finished this book with a big smile on my face and that gooey, good book feeling in my chest.”

—JASMINE GUILLORY, USA Today bestselling author of The Wedding Date

“Perfect for readers looking for a fun contemporary.” —Publishers Weekly

“Reading Intercepted is like drinking wine and gossiping with your best girlfriends. It’s fast-paced, flirty,

and laugh-out-loud funny, without the hangover the next day.”—HELEN HOANG, author of The Kiss

Quotient

“LOVE IT! All the hot sports and romance action you could hope for.”

—New York Times bestselling author KYLIE SCOTT

_______________________________________________________________

Excerpt

The idea of Gavin showing up to my family home sets the butterflies in my stomach free. I have to remind myself he doesn’t remember me, he’s just being friendly to a teammate’s girlfriend. End of story.

“Don’t you wish. Chris isn’t even promised a seat. Quarterback or not, my family doesn’t share well when it comes to pasta.”

“Well, I’m awesome, and Chris is questionable. Your family would love me.”

“Maybe they could find a seat for you, but I’m not sure the room is big enough for your ego to tag along.” I ignore the jab at Chris, handing Gavin the final plate.

“Damn. You got jokes?” He acts insulted, but there’s a smile on his face when he says it. I shrug it off and give him a hand towel. I tend to forget not everybody knows my sense of humor. Something I should try harder to remember when it concerns my boyfriend’s coworkers.

He hands me the last plate to dry, and his fingers graze mine. The contact is so minimal, I shouldn’t have noticed it. But when it comes to Gavin, I notice everything. “Thanks for helping, but I really do have work to finish.”

I hang the towel from the stove and try to play it cool. I’m not a relationship expert or anything, but I’m pretty sure I’ve watched enough reality shows to know crushing on your boyfriend’s coworker is generally a no-no.

“TK told me you did his website. I checked it out and it looks fantastic. Are you taking on new clients?”

When I turn away from the stove and face him, he’s in the same spot, watching me with what I think is either curiosity, mistrust, or kindness.

Yes, I’m aware those are all different, but I’ve never been very good at reading people.

“Always. It’s rare for me to ever turn down a client.” I look for something else in the kitchen to keep me busy.

“Good, because my website needs an overhaul since I switched teams.”

Oh no. Not gonna happen. Seeing him on occasion is one thing, but working for him is on a whole other level of asking for trouble.

“Your website? Didn’t you already have somebody design your website?” I scramble for any excuse to say no. “I doubt you need a new one, just a few tweaks, and I don’t like messing with other people’s work.”

“You just said you didn’t turn down a client. I want a new website. I’ll have Madison email you some pictures of me in Mustangs gear and shots of my charity events.”

Oh lovely, Gavin and Madison. This keeps getting better and better.

“Your girlfriend is your secretary? How very old-school.”

“Madison isn’t my girlfriend. She’s an old friend who happens to work in PR.” He shakes his head, acting like the idea of him with the leggy beauty is outrageous. “Think about it for me. I’d really appreciate it, and I promise to recommend you to everyone I know.”

Dammit. Doing this would be huge for me. I got my degree in graphic design from the Art Institute five years ago and started doing some freelance work to keep me busy. Business has been growing slowly over the past five years . . . which is fine. Chris gets all offended when I offer to pay for anything so I shovel all my money into savings and paying off my student loans.

I graduated with my masters in marketing last spring and have spent all summer (unsuccessfully) trying to find an adult job complete with medical. Unfortunately for me, the closest I got to medical was the marijuana dispensary next door to an interview I went to. So while I wait to find the apparent unicorn job I’ve spent my entire life preparing for, I might just have to build a website for my ex-fling turned current boyfriend’s coworker.

I’m about to agree when the intercom buzzes and Chris’s voice booms through the kitchen. “Marlee, can you go find Pope for us?” he asks. He hangs up before I have the chance to answer.

“I guess that’s my cue.” Gavin starts walking out of the kitchen but stops before he makes it all the way out. “By the way, I think you dropped this.” He pulls something small out of his pocket, tosses it to me, and is gone before I even realize what I’m holding.

My grandma’s necklace. The one my mom gave me after she passed.

The one I lost four years ago in a Chicago apartment.

Holy shit.

He kept it?

Holy shit.

He remembers me!

About the Author

Alexa Martin is a writer and stay at home mom. She lives in Colorado with her husband, a former NFL player who now coaches at the high school where they met, their four children, and a German shepherd. Her first book, Intercepted, was inspired by the eight years she spent as an NFL wife. 

Visit her online at

FB / Instagram

Review: Intercepted by Alexa Martin

Intercepted [Playbook #1] by Alexa Martin

Expected Publication: September 11, 2018

Publisher: Berkley Books

Format: via E-arc

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis

Marlee thought she scored the man of her dreams only to be scorched by a bad breakup. But there's a new player on the horizon, and he's in a league of his own...

Marlee Harper is the perfect girlfriend. She's definitely had enough practice by dating her NFL-star boyfriend for the last ten years. But when she discovers he has been tackling other women on the sly, she vows to never date an athlete again. There's just one problem: Gavin Pope, the new hotshot quarterback and a fling from the past, has Marlee in his sights.

Gavin fights to show Marlee he's nothing like her ex. Unfortunately, not everyone is ready to let her escape her past. The team's wives, who never led the welcome wagon, are not happy with Marlee's return. They have only one thing on their minds: taking her down. But when the gossip makes Marlee public enemy number one, she worries about more than just her reputation.

Between their own fumbles and the wicked wives, it will take a Hail Mary for Marlee and Gavin's relationship to survive the season.

My Thoughts

Right now I’m in football mode so when I saw this debut by Alexa Martin had football in the storyline I knew I had to see what this was all about. Intercepted focuses on Marlee who has been dating Chris since high school and now is his biggest cheerleader since he made the NFL. However, when she finds out he has been cheating for who knows how long this was the last straw and decides to move on. Just as she declares she is done with athletes here comes Gavin Pope someone from her past she never thought she would see again.

During one of her breaks from Chris, Marlee spends one night with a mysterious stranger who blows her mind like no other. He was sexy and treated her so well but the next day he was gone and she never knew who he was and where to find him. So Marlee gets the biggest surprise of her life when she sees the newest quarterback on her ex’s team is no other than her one night stand…Gavin. When she and Chris break up Gavin is there like a knight in shining armor to help her pick up the pieces of her life but she is cautious she can't let some smooth talking hot guy make her weak in the knees. However no matter how hard she tries Gavin is someone she can't resist and soon everyone will be talking about her and how she is just jumping from athlete to athlete.

I loved the chemistry between Marlee and Gavin, talk about HOT! And yes while all that was so steamy I also loved how they balanced each other out. Marlee can be a hot head at times but Gavin was always there to tell and show her that he didn’t care what others thought or said, that he just truly loved her for her. He was so romantic and she needed someone like that in her life to show her she was appreciated. So towards the end of this read when Marlee must make a decision I was kind of upset but I also knew where she was coming from. She had to do what was right for her and she felt like she had to do what was right for herself for the first time in her life. I really enjoyed how this ended and I can't wait for the second book in the series, and as a super fan of football, I really loved how it was a character of sorts in the book. All in all, this was fun, sexy and a romantic read with lots of laughs in between, so if you want something with a lot of sass and sexiness look no further than Intercepted.

Book Blast: Game Changer by Charissa Stastny

   

 Game Changer by Charissa Stastny 

Meridee Mansford wants nothing to do with the popular crowd. She’s comfortable being invisible. But that doesn’t stop her from dreaming about the hunky football player who visits the campus ice cream shop where she works. Still, she’s smart enough to know he’d never notice a girl like her, and she’d never want him even if he did. Too much unwelcome attention. Parker Harrington basks in the glory that’s been his since the game-changing passes he caught that pushed his team into the national spotlight. Sticky Fingers is his media moniker now, and the cheerleaders who used to ignore him when he sat the bench have become his most devoted fans. But when he accidentally crashes into a quiet coed and covers her in orange chicken, it throws off his offensive game. As fate, ice cream, and orange chicken throw the opposites together, will Parker continue keeping company with women he knows are only using him for his fame, or will he change up the game and risk his heart on a genuine girl who despises the attention he craves? 

 

Praise for the Book “A fun and flirty new adult romance. It’s a sweet indulgence that keeps you turning pages. The start to what is sure to be a great new series. – Jennifer Peel, author of Pianos and Promises series “Opposites attract when the overlooked sweet girl lands herself the popular football star in this quasi-Cinderella story. It’s the perfect read to keep you up way past your bedtime...” –Taylor Dean, author of Chasing Fireflies   


Excerpt   
He reached out and grabbed my hand. “Meridee, I wondered if I could take you out tomorrow night. To make up for that mishap in the CUB, you know?” I blinked, but couldn’t move. Couldn’t even form words. In fanciful daydreams, I’d imagined him holding my hand like this, but never had I expected it to happen. Holy llama. It felt as though Parker was an electrical socket, sending a steady stream of tingling energy pulsing through our connected hands. And wait! Had he just asked me out? I was still playing catch-up. But when his words registered, it was like a bucket of icy water over my head. I whipped my hand away from him. “No, thank you.” I rubbed the shiny counter to conceal a furious blush. For a moment, I’d allowed myself to believe he was serious. “You don’t have to make up for anything. Let’s forget that whole debacle ever happened, shall we?” “Oh, come on. I need a date, and you need some fun.” I scowled. What did he mean by that? Did I appear that pathetic? “Please. I don’t bite.” He playfully chomped his teeth. My lips twitched. “I’ve stopped playing football in the CUB, and haven’t tackled any more girls to the floor. You’ve had a reforming influence on me, Mare.” I narrowed my eyes. “It’s Meridee.” “Please say you’ll go with me, Meridee. We’ll play miniature golf, see a movie. Pretty please with huckleberries on top?” Why would he want to date me when he had that gorgeous cheerleader and every other girl on campus throwing themselves at him? My knees pulled together and I tucked my arms into my side. He really must pity me. “I can’t.” I returned to my needless wiping. “Why not? Do you work?” “No,” I said, grateful I didn’t have to lie. Mom always said my eyes gave me away. “I have tomorrow off.” My body needed the R&R. “Then you can go.” He leaned over the counter and winked. No wonder he wasn’t used to hearing no. When not tackling girls to the floor, he could be very persuasive. I clenched my rag. “No, I can’t. I already have a date.” “Cancel it. Surely he’s not as great a catch as me.” I scrubbed the toppings area with gusto. “I can’t cancel on my fiancé.” I crossed my fingers, hoping that whopper might stay his pity. “You’re engaged?” His disbelieving tone whacked my ego. I nodded without meeting his gaze.     

 

 

Author Charissa Stastny Charissa Stastny is an avid reader, happy writer, wasp-hater, iris-lover, and food connoisseur (especially sushi and chocolate, but not together). She was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, but has never pulled a handle of a slot machine and can’t shuffle cards to save her life. She is married to her high school sweetheart and has four children that make her smile and laugh all the time. She called Idaho her home for years, but has recently moved to Utah, where she was thrilled to discover dozens of flavors of hot chocolate to keep her happy in the winter. The cherry one might be her favorite (this week). She is the author of five books and ‘imagine-eer’ of many more.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Instagram * Pinterest * Blog

 

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 11/5/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Release Blitz + Review: Three & Out by Laura Chapman

New from Laura Chapman, the third installment of her fantasy football romantic comedy Queen of the League series . . .

Find it on 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Goodreads

After rushing to the altar and moving across the country, Harper Duquaine (or is it MacLaughlin, now?) is in uncharted territory. What once seemed like a promising opportunity to advance her husband’s career while giving her some much-needed independence and adventure has proven to be a bust. By the time fall rolls around again, she’s back in a boring job by day and overstocking her inventory of crocheted scarves by night. Not even the prospect of a new football season holds much excitement.

 At least that’s what she thought. Harper suddenly finds herself the manager of not one but two fantasy football teams—each with its own set of drama. Between the added pressure of her new marriage, an unexpected career prospect, and the hiccups created by people from her past and present worlds, Harper quickly finds herself going from bored to overwhelmed.

Can she hold up under the pressure, or will Harper learn the hard way that the turf isn’t always greener on the other field?

Buy it Now 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

*** BARGAIN ALERT *** To celebrate the new release, for a limited time, you can pick up the first two stories in the series for only 99 cents each. EBooks First & Goal and Going for Two are available for only 99 cents each. ***

In Laura Chapman’s Queen of the League series, Harper Duquaine joins a fantasy football league to prove she can hang with the guys. Only problem: she doesn’t know a sleeper from a keeper (or any of the other lingo thrown her way). Her competitive streak soon emerges, and she catches the interest of her top two competitors. With a slew of conflicting advice in her real and fantasy worlds, Harper must figure out how to play the game and come out a winner.

First & Goal 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

Going for Two 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

My Thoughts

In Three & Out we continue to get to know Harper and her crazy football fantasy cohorts. We see Harper and her husband Brook as they moved across the country to follow Brook as he has a new position at the university as an assistant coach. Harper is just trying to find her way in this new city but as much as she wants to be the supportive wife she does miss her family and friends back home and to be quite honest isn't really feeling the fellow coaches wives. However, she takes them up on their offer to join their fantasy team but as she will soon find out maybe she has bitten off more than she can chew. She soon finds herself in some awkward positions one that might boost her career and another that might take down those she loves the most.

I love that we see the feisty Harper in all her glory. I also enjoy that she wants more out of life and isn't settling for anything less. She has grown so much from the start of the series till now and is even willing to throw caution to the wind and just let things happen. Back are all the same characters we have grown to love and some new ones that will just make you want to hate them. Throughout this series, I have always had a special place in my heart for Harper. She was a girl after my own heart, she loved football and she entered this world of fantasy football not knowing anything but soon found out a lot more about herself and who she could become.

Three and Out are more than just about football it's about life. Growing up and coming into your own. Making those life choices and realizing that it isn't all about just yourself but about others and sacrificing something for that better outcome in the end. Three & Out is another great book that continues to surprise me and keeps me rooting for Harper.

Laura Chapman is the author of First & Goal, Going for Two, Three & Out, and The Marrying Type.  Her holiday novellas Making Christmas and What Happens at Midnight will be released on November 8, and are now available for pre-order. A native Nebraskan, she loves football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Connect with her online on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube and on her website at www.laurachapmanbooks.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour/Review/Excerpt/Giveaway: Going for Two by Laura Chapman

Going for Two [Queen of the League #2] by Laura Chapman

Published: January 27, 2016

Publisher: Marching Ink

Format: via publisher

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis 

Harper Duquaine is back for another season of fantasy football! This time she’s a year wiser and prepared to dominate the league. But while she finally seems to have her fantasy life in order, reality proves more challenging. 

Her plans to peacefully play house with her boyfriend come to a halt when the high school suddenly names Brook its head football coach. The promotion comes with more responsibility on the field and less time at home. It also unexpectedly means more work for Harper, who already has her hands full helping a friend pull off the perfect proposal (while dodging questions about when she and Brook are going to get hitched already). Plus, a new development at work could leave her—and half of the fantasy league—jobless. 

With the complications of her career and being “Mrs. Coach” adding up, Harper wonders if she’s committed to the life she’s already building or if there is something else out there.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

February 22- Chick Lit Club Connect – Excerpt

February 23 – A Southern Girls Bookshelf- Review  & Excerpt

February 24 – Chick Lit Goddess – Excerpt

February 25 – Living Life With Joy – Review & Excerpt

February 26 – Authors and Readers Book Corner – Excerpt

February 29 – Annabel and Alice – Review

March 1 – A British Bookworm – Excerpt

March 1 – Around the World in Books – Excerpt

March 3 – LibriAmoriMiei – Review

March 4 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt

March 4 – Whispering Stories – Review & Excerpt

March 7 – Chick Lit Plus – Excerpt 

Buy the Book

Amazon / BN / Kobo / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Going for Two is the second book in The Queen of the League series and Harper is back with a whole new set of adventures and mishaps that makes for a fun and interesting read. In this read we find Harper and her fantasy football buddies back and ready for a new season. She and her boyfriend Brook have moved in together when Brook is offered a chance to coach the high school football team putting stress and pressure on him and their relationship. I love seeing their relationship grow and seeing how they interact with each other and deal with the issues at hand. Although I feel Harper was a bit hard on Brook when it came to understanding this commit to the team versus when it came to their relationship I saw over time she learned to see what all his job entailed and was more understanding. 

However what I love the most is the funny aspect of the series. I love the storylines of the fantasy football and how each of the friends is so devoted to the game. As a player myself I love this because I so see myself and my fellow players doing the same thing granted it’s all in fun but we do take fantasy football very serious. This year Harper knew what she was doing and was really into it.

This is a series so it’s best to read them both to get the full story but I promise if you give it a chance you will enjoy it. You don’t have to get football to fully enjoy this read, it’s funny and the relationships are what truly makes this read. No matter if it’s the relationship between Harper and Brook or that of the ones between friends this is a story that has something for everyone.

Excerpt

Despite my best attempts at shaking off the pre-draft jitters, they’re in full effect with

only fifteen minutes to go before the draft begins. I’m not even worried about the draft. I’m

concerned that I haven’t heard from Brook. What if he has to pick his team on auto-draft? That

wouldn’t be the most terrible thing for the first few rounds. He’s drafting eighth, which should

get him a decent running back, and a good wide receiver in the first two rounds.

But after that, who knows what he’ll end up with? He might not get a quarterback or end

up with three kickers or four defenses.

I could text him to find out what’s going on, but . . . no. I’ve already sent one check-in

message today. I’m not going to play the role of desperate, annoying girlfriend. Not this early in

the season.

J.J. doesn’t bother hiding his glee at the prospect of Brook ending up on auto-draft.

Despite considering Brook one of his best friends, he’s obnoxiously competitive. About fantasy

football and everything.

Until last season, Brook had finished in first or second place every year in the league’s

history. But now that J.J. is the defending league champion, he’s determined to finish on top.

J.J. corners me in the kitchen after he finishes his self-guided tour of our apartment. “So

this is it.”

“Yep.” I don’t bother to tear my eyes away from the spinach and artichoke dip in the

Crock-Pot .

“It’s not very big.”

“It works for us.”

“Right.” Leaning a hip against the counter, J.J. spoons some of the dip onto his plate.

“I’m still surprised you guys got a place together, because, well . . .”

I wish I was strong enough not to take the bait, but I have to ask. “Why?”

“Mr. Perfect never really struck me as the living in sin type. I always assumed he was

saving himself for marriage. You on the other hand . . .” J.J. takes a bite of the dip and wrinkles

his nose, then takes another bite. “It seems a little hypocritical for a Bible-thumper like him to be

shacking up with his girlfriend. But Brook is a changed man since he started penetrating your

line on a regular basis.”

Dozens of thoughts flood my head, each wanting to be said. But if I say, ‘Brook isn’t a

Bible-thumper,’ it sounds like I’m saying it’s bad he goes to church with his family every week.

And then there is J.J.’s obsession with our sex life. He constantly finds new euphemisms

disguised as sports metaphors to shock me. He once asked if Brook has ever eaten up my

secondary. I’m not even entirely sure what that means, but I don’t want to know.

Through my teeth, I hiss, “You’re amazing.”

“Oh yeah?” He leans forward, invading my personal bubble to the point it could nearly

pop. “Tell me more.”

“After last year, I was fairly certain there wasn’t a way you or any person could be a

bigger dick. You keep proving me wrong.” I slam the crock pot lid. “Enjoy the freaking dip.”

I leave him gaping—a chip frozen midway to his mouth—and head toward the bedroom.

I should’ve known better than to talk with him this close to the draft. I shouldn’t have let him get

me riled up, but seriously. How can he say Brook is one of his best friends when he’s always

slamming him?

And what’s wrong with me for continuing to hang out with him? And what about Brook?

Are we secretly drama addicts? That can be the only explanation.

    About the Author

Laura Chapman is the author of Going for Two, First & Goal, The Marrying Type, and Hard Hats and Doormats. Her work also appears in Merry & Bright, A Kind of Mad Courage, and the holiday collection All I Want For Christmas from Marching Ink. She loves Huskers and Packers football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Laura makes her home in Nebraska, where she is penning her next novel. Be sure to check her out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Connect with Laura

FB / Twitter / IG / YouTube / Goodreads / Blog / Website

Review: All Lined Up by Cora Carmack

All Lined Up [Rusk University #1] by Cora Carmack

Published: March 14, 2014

Published: William Morrow Paperbacks

Format: Kindle buy

Rating: 5/5

Add to Goodreads * Buy: Amazon

Synopsis

In Texas, two things are cherished above all else—football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, and put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ex wasn’t bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball… as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to the starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.

Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.

And neither of them knows how to walk away from the attraction they feel.

My Thoughts

All Lined Up was a book and series that I had been trying to get to for over a year now. It has everything that I would love…romance, Texas and of course football! But those are also the things that made me hesitant to dive in also. I have a knack for building up hype in my head for a book and then becoming so disappointed that I am just beside myself, luckily for me, this one was all that and more.

This is the story of Dallas whose father is a highly respect football coach and just when she thought she would escape his protective eye by going to college we find out he is hired as the head coach. All Dallas wants is for once to have some space and live the life she wants which means dancing, something her father isn’t too keen as a career. As much as she was looking forward to “starting over” at Rusk her ex is there also which makes dating that much worse, all until she meets Carson one faithful night.

Carson is a guy who is just waiting for his time in the football spotlight. He is attending Rusk on a football scholarship and all he wants is to start but being backup to Dallas’s ex isn’t likely to happen. He meets Dallas one night at a party and not knowing who she is, falls for her hook, line, and sinker. He vowed to himself to not let anything or anyone become a distraction to his main goal which is getting that chance to take the field but as much as he tries Dallas is one thing he could’ve had predicted.

I love the story of these two who are just trying to find their way all while discovering who they are and what they want out of life. While they want different things they know they want to be together despite a few bumps in the road and they support each other no matter what. The whole Friday night lights and Texas feel was so authentic, this is our lives in Texas, everything rang so true. I loved this book and it was everything I was hoping for, I can’t wait to dive into the rest of this worthy series.

Review: First & Goal [Queen of the League #1] by Laura Chapman

First & Goal [Queen of the League #1] by Laura Chapman

Published: September 9, 2015

Format: Kindle purchase

Publisher: Marching Ink

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis

When Harper Duquaine’s no-nonsense approach to work unintentionally ruffles the wrong feathers at her new job, she joins her co-workers’ fantasy football league to prove she can hang with the guys. Only problem: she doesn’t know a sleeper from a keeper (or any of the other lingo thrown her way).

Embroiled in a world of lineups, stats, and trades, Harper’s quest to make nice topples when her competitive streak emerges. And her promise to herself that she’ll be a strong, independent woman and leave the drama and heartache behind is seriously tested when she catches the attention of her two biggest competitors: J.J., a local celebrity determined to win a fantasy championship, and Brook, the mild-mannered coach who seems too good to be true. Both threaten her resolve to remain single… and, more importantly, her chances at winning the prize pool.

With a slew of conflicting advice in her real and fantasy worlds, Harper must figure out how to play the game and come out a winner.

My Thoughts

When we met Harper she has recently moved due to some “personal issues” which we find out has to do with her ex. In her new job she is closer to home and is living with her brothers but her social skills at work aren’t helping her at all. So what is a girl to do? Well she joins her coworkers in their fantasy football league. She didn’t really want to but she figures if it helps her socially why not but once she starts she finds herself all caught up in it and not only that she might get some friendships and maybe even a little romance thrown in for good measure.

While she finds some good friends along the way she finds herself in the sights of JJ who is a ladies man and thinks every woman wants him but when Harper isn’t taken by his slick ways he makes it a mission to beat her not only at fantasy football but also unmask her secrets and reveal her past and let everyone know she isn’t so innocent as they all think she is. All the while Harper has eyes for Brook who is everything she would want in a man. He is kind, he coaches the local high school football team and looks after his sister and loves his nieces to no end. However she doesn’t know how he feels about her, he keeps his feelings close to his chest so Harper doesn’t know if what she thinks is real or if she’s getting mixed signals. As time goes by and the more they spend time together they both admit there is something there but they can’t tell anyone because if they do the other people in the league will think this was all a plan to up their chances in winning.

For those of you who don’t get football much less fantasy football it’s all about taking chances. You never know what can happen because things can change in a blink of an eye. That’s how I see life and love also. You never know what is possible if you don’t just dive in and take that chance. It’s all about the thrill of the game and cheering for that underdog or sleeper to get that win. Harper is that sleeper. She had a bad time in the past with her personal life but you never know what’s out there for you if you don’t take that chance and luckily she did.

This is one book that I fully enjoyed not just because I LOVE all things football and I’m a fantasy football junkie [what can I say I won my league last year!] but this book is funny, romantic and definitely has you cheering for Harper when things get stacked against her. Bottom line: never sleep on a sleeper you have to watch out sometimes because they are the ones you didn’t think had a chance  but are usually the ones who will surprise you and win it all in the end.

Let football season officially begin!!

YES!!!!!! It’s that time of year again today is the official start of football! Oh how I love the fall and football season. Being from Texas we love football season it’s a rite of passage Friday night lights, college game day Saturdays and NFL Sundays. So after seeing a post by Sarah’s Book Shelves I thought I would post some of my favorite football inspired books movies and TV shows. And lastly while I love the game as a whole my heart belongs to my home team… I mean come on we have the best defensive guy in the league…how can you say no to this?? 

GO TEXANS!!!

BOOKS

Cora Carmack [Rusk University series]

Shannon Stacey [A Boys of Fall series]

Julie Brannagh [A Love and Football series]

 

Laura Trentham [Falcon Football series]

Bella Andre [Bad Boys of Football series]

Farrah Rochon [New York Sabers series]

Natalie Decker [Rival series]

Taylor Hart [The Last Play series]

Singles

MOVIES/TV SHOWS

The one that started it all [for me]...

Those are some of my faves, even if you aren't a football fan I'm sure you can find one of these that will keep you entertained.